MRI-based classification of shoulder calcific deposits to guide treatment

A Novel Classification in Calcific Tendinitis of the Shoulder: Evaluating MRI Localization and Related Treatment Strategies

Koç University · NCT07409818

This study will try a new MRI-based way to classify calcific shoulder deposits to see if deposit location relates to treatment choices for patients who had surgery for calcific tendinitis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorKoç University (other)
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Zeytinburnu)
Trial IDNCT07409818 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Researchers will create a simple, treatment-oriented classification of calcific tendinitis based on the location of deposits seen on shoulder MRI. They will apply this MRI-based classification to a cohort of patients treated at Koç University Hospital using existing MRI scans and clinical records. The study will compare how different localization categories relate to treatments received, including conservative care, debridement, side-to-side repair, and anchor fixation. Patients with prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery for other reasons, revision calcific tendinitis surgery, or missing/incomplete MRI documentation will be excluded.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with calcific tendinitis who have preoperative shoulder MRI showing one or more rotator cuff calcific deposits and who underwent surgical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients without available MRI, those managed only with non-surgical care, or those with prior or revision ipsilateral shoulder surgery are unlikely to benefit from this classification.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the classification could help doctors choose surgery versus conservative care more precisely, potentially improving outcomes and avoiding unnecessary procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Existing classifications based on X-ray and ultrasound exist, but an MRI-based system directly tied to treatment decisions has not been validated.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria

* Patients who underwent surgical treatment for calcific tendinitis
* Presence of single or multiple calcific deposits within the rotator cuff tendons

Exclusion Criteria

* History of prior ipsilateral shoulder surgery for indications other than calcific tendinitis
* Revision surgery for calcific tendinitis
* Incomplete clinical documentation or unavailable MRI data

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Zeytinburnu

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Calcific Tendinitis of Shoulder, calcific tendinitis, shoulder, magnetic resonance imaging, calcific deposit, novel classification

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.